ISLAMABAD, Dec 12: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said on Sunday his China visit, starting Tuesday, will further cement the friendly relations between the two countries and promote economic, trade and cultural ties.

Talking to members of the Chinese media based in Islamabad, the prime minister said he will meet Chinese leadership and business community during the visit to enhance the existing level of trade and economic relations because Pakistan considered China a strategic ally.

Mr Aziz said that both Pakistan and China "have commonalities" on regional and international issues and always supported each other. He said both the countries were cooperating in various fields to ensure progress, prosperity and welfare of the people living in the region.

The prime minister said China had made tremendous progress in all the fields and Pakistan wanted to get full benefit from the successful experience of time-tested and close friend of China.

He said the progress made by China was an example for the world, resulting from dedication, hard work, discipline and devotion of the Chinese people. The prime minister said Pakistanis will need to work hard, following the example of their Chinese brothers.

Praising Chinese role in the development of Pakistan, he said a number of projects, including the Gwadar Port, were running with the help of China. Replying to a question about the performance of his government, Mr Aziz said he was satisfied with it.

Achieving economic prosperity, strong and credible defence and political stability were the major goals of his government, he added. He said Pakistan's growth rate would reach up to 8 per cent of GDP within the next few years. The per capita income of a Pakistani had touched the $650 per annum mark.

About his relations with President Musharraf, he said he had been working with him for the last five years comfortably. His vision of 'enlightened moderation' was gaining support throughout the world as it was for the betterment of mankind.

On Pakistan-India relations, he said the main aim of dialogue with New Delhi was to ensure peace and prosperity in the region and resolve all outstanding issues, including the core issue of Kashmir.

He said 2005 will be an important year for Pakistan and the region as Islamabad had the capability to play an important role in the region to ensure peace. In Beijing, a senior Chinese official told APP that Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and sChinese Premier Wen Jiabao will meet in the Chinese capital on Wednesday to discuss various issues of common interest.

"We are eagerly awaiting the visit and hope it would reinforce their abiding friendship," the official said on Sunday. The official added: "China and Pakistan are traditional friendly neighbours.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, both sides have always treated each other with mutual respect, trust and support and established an all-weather friendship and an all-round cooperative partnership."

"We are convinced Aziz's four-day state visit will further deepen the friendship and promote their mutually beneficial cooperation in all fields," the official added.

The main focus of the talks will be on economy, since the leadership of the two countries wished to exploit their existing excellent diplomatic ties for the socio-economic well-being of their people, the official said.

The talks will be followed by signing of some agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in the economic sector. The two leaders are also likely to address a joint press conference.

A Pakistani official here said it would be a 'substantive' visit and some important agreements in the economic field would be signed. "Our bilateral partnership is likely to get a boost in sectors such as power generation, mineral development, communication and trade." -APP